Novak Djokovic handed favourable path to French Open glory but may face two nemeses

has learned his fate in the French Open draw as he bids to win a record 25th Grand Slam title. The Serb has not lifted a Major trophy in 19 months, but he has good memories at Stade Roland Garros - he won the Olympic gold medal there last summer.

However, Djokovic hasn't picked up any other titles since the beginning of 2024 and has struggled for form during the clay swing. Despite dropping to No. 6 in the world, he has a relatively favourable draw with no hugely in-form players in his quarter. But if he makes it out of his section, he will have to go through his two toughest current rivals.

Djokovic is the sixth seed at this year's French Open. Although his ranking has slipped from the very top, he has an arguably kind quarter in Paris. However, he would likely have to face both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to lift the title.

He will open his campaign for a fourth Roland Garros crown against Mackenzie McDonald, the American world No. 99.

The three-time champion in Paris will then face either a qualifier / lucky loser, or Frenchman Corentin Moutet. If he meets Moutet, there could be fireworks, as the world No. 76 is never far from drama or controversy.

No. 27 seed Denis Shapovalov is a potential third-round opponent, with Pedro Martinez or Bu Yunchaokete also in the mix.

Things would get a little tougher in round four as Djokovic could face 11th seed Daniil Medvedev, though the Russian has had a disappointing season by his standards so far.

No. 22 seed Ugo Humbert is another likely foe, but he has also

Former world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka, who beat Djokovic in the final here a decade ago, could also be on the cards in round four. But now aged 40 and ranked down at No. 139, it will be tricky for Wawrinka to make it that far in the draw.

Last year's runner-up and third seed Alexander Zverev is the most likely quarter-final opponent. However, he is another player who is largely out of form and this week.

Francisco Cerundolo, the 18th seed, could also meet the Serb in the quarters. Djokovic injured his knee while facing Cerundolo in the fourth round last year, winning the match in five sets before pulling out of the tournament.

If he makes it out of his quarter, Djokovic is projected to face world No. 1 Sinner in the semi-final. Then, world No. 2 and reigning champion Alcaraz would be the most likely opponent in the final.

And Djokovic is when it comes to claiming big titles.

"They are now the leaders of our sport, their rivalry is currently the biggest and it is good for our sport, that we have new young tennis players," the world No. 6 said in Geneva this week.

Djokovic has technically not lost a match at the French Open since 2022, when Rafael Nadal beat him in the quarter-final. He lifted the trophy in 2023 for the third time, and last year he reached the quarters before pulling out injured.

The 38-year-old also won six matches in a row on Court Philippe-Chatrier to claim the Olympic gold medal last summer. And he will be hoping to pick up where he left off when he returns to Paris.

Novak Djokovic's path to the title

Projected route based on seeding

First round: McDonald

Second round: Moutet / qualifier or lucky loser

Third round: Shapovalov [27] / Bu / Martinez

Round of 16: Medvedev [11] / Humbert [22] / Wawrinka [WC]

Quarter-final: Zverev [3] / Dimitrov [16] / Cerundolo [18] / Auger-Aliassime [29]

Semi-final: Sinner [1] / Draper [5] / De Minaur [9]

Final: Alcaraz [2] / Fritz [4] / Ruud [7] / Musetti [8]